The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has updated AISI S310, North American Standard for the Design of Profiled Steel Diaphragm Panels. This standard, first published in 2013, provides design provisions for diaphragms consisting of profiled steel panels which include fluted profiles and cellular panel profiles. The diaphragm may be installed with or without insulation between the panels and supports, and may be supported by materials made of steel, wood or concrete. AISI also published a commentary to accompany the standard.    

AISI S310-23 has been reorganized to improve its ease of use. Additional changes include:

• The section on standing seam panels has been removed. Information on standing seam panel design is now covered under the section on test-based design.
• The sections for double skin panels and the appendix for combined shear and axial loading case have been moved to design examples, which are not included. 
• The connection strength of panels to steel supports is in accordance with AISI S100, North American Standard for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members.
• Test-based design follows the provisions of AISI S100.
• Information on the flexibility of connections and connection strength that are not included in AISI S100 has been moved to Appendix 1.
• Wood screw connection strength is in accordance with ANSI/NDS, National Design Standard for Wood Construction.

AISI S310-23 is intended for adoption and use in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The standard and its commentary are available to download free of charge at www.aisistandards.org.

The AISI S310 analytical method is based on the Steel Deck Institute’s Diaphragm Design Manual, which is commonly used to determine the strength and stiffness of diaphragms. The standard determines the in-plane strength and stiffness of steel panels with or without concrete fills, and the strength and stiffness of connections in a diaphragm.